2013 Easter Message
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson
Easter. It is about more than an open tomb. It is the good news of the risen Christ who opens lives.
Think about Jesus' friends after his death. Their lives were closed down by fear, disappointment and confusion. The risen Christ appeared saying "peace be with you" and opened their lives with a liberating word of reconciliation.
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Sharing God's Love of Animals through Animal Ministries
Sandra Briggs, member of Grace Lutheran Church Des Moines, IA
 In the bible, God created animals before he created people and when Our Lord and Savior Jesus was born it was in a stable with animals. Animals in the bible go on to be associated with The Holy Trinity with God sometimes referred to as the great "lion" of Judah, Jesus Christ as the "lamb" of God, and the Holy Spirit as a "dove" that descended from heaven. With these mentions of animals as well as in others biblical passages that connect animals to people and faith, I deeply believe that this is a reflection of God's own love of animals and his want for us to take care of them. When Grace Lutheran Church in Des Moines decided to take part in expressing God's love of animals through an animal ministries program it began with a simple step. Read More
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Congregation Observers at Churchwide Assembly
 Did you know that one member of each ELCA congregation can attend the ELCA Churchwide Assembly as a congregation observer? Observers have no voice or vote, but have reserved seating in the assembly hall and receive the materials distributed during plenaries. The registration fee for congregational observers is $150; contact cwaregistrar@elca.org with questions. The ELCA Churchwide Assembly will take place August 12-17, 2013 in Pittsburgh, PA. Read More
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ELCA World Hunger Easter Cards  Want to give a gift in honor of someone special that will help a family in poverty? Maybe you want to give something more than just a basket full of candy? Look no further than the ELCA World Hunger Easter Cards. You can print out or electronically send your Easter greetings to loved ones using the ELCA E-Cards website. With many options, you are sure to find the message and gift to share. Click here for ELCA Cards |
Upcoming April Events In and Around the Synod The Youth Network Against Violence
April 3, 2013 from 4-6pm United Action for Youth 355 Iowa Avenue
Iowa City, IA
Join the University of Iowa Lutheran Campus Ministry in welcoming six young adults from Nicaragua who are speaking about freedom from violence and other issues in Central America. Congregations are encouraged to bring youth groups to this event. For more information, contact Pr. Rob Dotzel at lcm-elca@uiowa.edu or at 319.338.7868. Seminary Sampler Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) April 17, 2013
Chicago, IL Prospective students have the opportunity to share a meal and worship with faculty and current LSTC students as well as discuss academics, financial aid, candidacy and community life at LSTC. For more information click here or contact Scott Chalmer at schalmer@lstc.edu
Tri-State Forum
Dr. Craig Satterlee - Preaching and Stewardship
April 18, 2013
Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, IA
The Tri-State Forum presents an opportunity to bring together pastors, ministry professionals, and others interested in lifelong learning, growth, and collegial fellowship. For more information, click here or e-mail LifeLong Learners Office at Wartburg Theological Seminary for more information: lifelonglearners@wartburgseminary.edu.
Ecumenical Church Music Event
April 19 - 20, 2013
Plymouth Congregational Church in Des Moines, IA Worship music leaders, pastors, choir directors, choir members, and instrumentalists are invited to hear Dr. C. Michael Hawn and explore the wide spectrum of song available than the notion of traditional and non-traditional. For more information and to register for this free event visit click here or contact splenihan@plymouthchurch.com. |
